Educational Videos

Straight from the Surgeon:

Breast Reduction vs. Breast Lift: What’s the Difference? 🤔

✨ Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

• Lifts and reshapes sagging breasts

• Repositions the nipple to a more youthful position

• Removes excess skin

• Little to no change in breast volume

✨ Breast Reduction

• Includes all the benefits of a lift

• Removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin

• Reduces breast size and weight

• Can help relieve neck, shoulder, and upper back discomfort

The key difference? A breast reduction makes the breasts smaller and lighter, while a breast lift primarily makes them higher and shapelier.

Many patients are surprised to learn that every breast reduction includes a lift, but not every lift includes a reduction.

The best procedure depends on your anatomy, symptoms, and goals. During a consultation, we can determine which option will give you the result you’re looking for. ✨

Straight from the Surgeon:

One of the most surprising things about a tummy tuck is that the skin from your upper abdomen often ends up all the way down near your bikini line after surgery. 🤯

During an abdominoplasty, the loose skin and fat are lifted upward, the abdominal muscles are repaired if needed, and the excess lower abdominal skin is removed. The remaining upper abdominal skin is then pulled downward and closed low on the abdomen.

That means the skin that used to be around your bellybutton or upper stomach can eventually become the skin sitting just above your incision line.

This is also why:

• Stretch marks above the bellybutton may move lower

• The lower abdominal skin is usually completely removed

• Scar placement and tension are so important for a smooth result

A tummy tuck is not just “skin removal” — it’s a complete redraping of the abdominal tissue to restore contour and tighten the core.✨

Straight from the Surgeon:

GRAPHIC INTRA-OP VIDEO‼️

Pain control after surgery has come a long way—and one of the tools we love using is Exparel. 🙌

Exparel (liposomal bupivacaine) is a long-acting numbing medication that is placed during surgery to help control pain for up to 72 hours after your procedure. Many patients report needing fewer narcotic pain medications, feeling more comfortable during recovery, and being able to get up and move around sooner.

In addition to the Exparel you will be prescribed other medications to control pain.

A smoother recovery starts with a thoughtful surgical plan—including pain management tailored to you. ✨

Straight from the Surgeon:

Same surgical technique, different genetics and scar patterns. Her belly button incision is healing beautifully and is already nearly imperceptible. Her breast incisions are still pink at this stage of healing, which is completely normal, and they are expected to continue fading into thin white lines over the next 12–18 months.

Straight from the Surgeon:

3 month patient update🔔

Not all scars are created equal—and unfortunately not all of it is in our control. Your prior scars are the best indication of how you will scar in the future. This patient is a prime example of how her prior liposuction scars (from a prior surgeon) gave us a glimpse of how she would heal her tummy tuck incisions despite using the best techniques and latest technologies. We will continue scar care with SPF protection, silicone gel and tape but sometimes genetics don’t work in our favor. Steroid and 5-FU injections are also a helpful adjunct. Laser treatments and microneedling can help some patients (but not everyone is a candidate).

Hypertrophic scarring is a common concern after surgery, especially in my patient population. These are raised and dark scars that stay within the boundaries of the incision. Unlike keloids they don’t itch or go beyond the incision. And while patients often worry they’ve “done something wrong,” the truth is more nuanced.

About 50% of how you scar comes down to genetics—your skin’s natural tendency to produce collagen and heal in a certain way. Some people are simply more prone to thicker, more reactive scars.The other 50% is influenced by surgical technique and aftercare.

This includes:

• How the incision is placed

• How much tension is on the wound

• The precision of closure (layered suturing matters)

• And how the incision is supported and treated during healing

That’s where we can make a real difference. Thoughtful surgical planning, meticulous closure, and tools like tension-reducing devices and silicone-based therapies all help guide the scar toward a flatter, softer, more refined result.

Scar care doesn’t stop in the operating room—it’s a partnership. The best outcomes happen when surgical technique and post-op care work with your biology, not against it.

Because a great result isn’t just about the procedure—it’s also about how you heal.

Straight from the Surgeon:

Graphic content‼️

Chest wall anatomy plays a major role in breast augmentation—impacting not just where your implants sit, but also how your nipples are positioned.

Patients with a more rectangular chest wall tend to have the most straightforward outcomes. Implants can be positioned closer to the midline, helping create natural-looking cleavage, with nipples that face forward.In contrast, a more convex or rounded chest wall can be more complex. In these cases, implants naturally tend to shift laterally (especially when lying down), and nipples may have a tendency to point outward. Careful planning and surgical technique are essential to optimize balance and symmetry.

There are also anatomic variations such as pectus excavatum or pectus carinatum, which can range from subtle to more pronounced and further influence surgical approach. It’s also very common to have asymmetries—like one side of the ribcage being more prominent—requiring different implant sizes or adjustments to achieve the best result.

All of this highlights an important point: breast augmentation, augmentation mastopexy and revision breast surgery is highly individualized. Expertise matters. Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in breast surgery ensures that these nuances are recognized and addressed for the most natural, balanced outcome.

Straight from the Surgeon:

Sculpting the details that make all the difference ✨💎

Liposculpting of the lower back is one of my favorite ways to enhance natural curves. By carefully contouring this area, we can create that subtle “diamond” or “triangle” shape just above the midline of the buttocks—an elegant transition that highlights the waist and frames the upper glute beautifully. 🍑

You don’t necessarily need fat grafting to the buttocks. Sometimes strategic shaping with liposuction can bring balance, definition, and flow to your silhouette. 💃🏻

Small refinements. Big impact.

Straight from the Surgeon:

Massive weight loss is an incredible achievement—but it often leaves behind excess skin that doesn’t match how you feel inside.

For many patients, achieving the best contour isn’t just about removing skin in one direction. It often requires both vertical and horizontal skin excision to truly reshape and tighten the body. This allows us to address laxity in multiple dimensions, improving contour, symmetry, and overall results.

Every surgical plan is customized—because every body, and every journey, is unique. The goal is always the same: to help you feel as confident on the outside as you do on the inside. ✨

Straight from the Surgeon:

Brijjit® tension-reduction devices and SYLKE® medical-grade silk

Surgical technique and how you support healing early on can make a significant difference in the final result.Two simple, non-invasive tools I use to optimize scar quality are Brijjit® devices and SYLKE® (medical-grade silk). I place multiple layers of internal sutures that gradually dissolve as you heal—but what we do on the surface matters just as much.

That final layer—using Brijjit® tension-reduction devices and SYLKE® medical-grade silk—helps minimize tension, reduce inflammation, and create an optimal environment for healing.

✨ Brijjit®. These small adhesive tension-reduction devices are applied after surgery to offload stress on the incision. By minimizing tension across the wound, they help reduce widening, thickening, and raised scars—especially in areas prone to movement.

✨ SYLKE® (medical silk). Medical-grade silk has natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. When used over healing incisions, it creates a smooth, low-friction environment that supports more even collagen formation and can improve overall scar texture and appearance.

💡 Why this matters: Scars tend to worsen with tension, inflammation, and friction—so proactively addressing these factors can lead to scars that are finer, flatter, and less noticeable over time.

Every surgical plan should include a scar optimization strategy—not just a great closure. ❤️

Straight from the Surgeon:

markings for a drainless tummy tuck! 🎨

Straight from the Surgeon:

✨ Why scars darken after surgery — and how to protect them ✨

One of the most common concerns after surgery is scar darkening (hyperpigmentation)—especially in the first year.

Here’s why it happens:

After surgery, your skin is in a healing and remodeling phase. During this time, the cells that produce pigment (melanocytes) are extra sensitive and easily stimulated—especially by sunlight (and tanning beds!!!)☀️

Even a small amount of UV exposure can trigger these cells to overproduce pigment, causing scars to appear darker, more noticeable, and sometimes uneven.

🚨 The key point:Scars do NOT have normal protection against UV light in that first year.

That’s why protection is critical:

✔️ SPF is non-negotiable

Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ (or higher) daily—yes, even if it’s cloudy and reapply frequently

✔️ UV-protective clothing is even better Physical barriers (like UPF wide-brim hats, bathing suits and clothing) provide the most reliable protection, since sunscreen can wear off or be applied unevenly.

✔️ Consistency mattersPigment changes can happen quickly—but take months to fade.

💡 Think of your scar like a “blank canvas” for the first year—how you protect it now can significantly impact how it looks long-term.

—✨ Bottom line:The first year is your window to optimize scar healing.Sun protection isn’t optional—it’s essential.

—Always follow your surgeon’s specific post-op instructions.

Straight from the Surgeon:

Clara Recovery was designed by physicians specifically for patients preparing for and recovering from surgery. This formula delivers targeted nutrients that work synergistically to support tissue repair, immune resilience, and metabolic balance, without including ingredients that could interfere with surgical safety. This thoughtful blend provides foundational support for optimal healing. ❤️‍🩹

I don’t have any partnership or affiliation with Clara Recovery, but I often recommend it to patients as a helpful supplement to support healing. Ideally, it’s started at least 2 weeks before surgery and continued for 2 weeks after to help support recovery.

You can learn more at clararecovery.com.

I also highly recommend the excellent free e-book by Dr. Rachel Knackstedt — “Preparing Mind and Body for Surgery.” It’s a great resource for patients looking to optimize their recovery.

Straight from the Surgeon(s): special guest appearance by my husband, Dr. Barath Badrinathan, a vascular surgeon to help discuss this important topic. 🥰

Not all fat is the same.

When we talk about fat in plastic surgery, there are two main types: subcutaneous fat and visceral fat.

Subcutaneous fat is the fat just under the skin. This is the fat we can treat with procedures like liposuction or body contouring.

Visceral fat, on the other hand, sits deep inside the abdomen and surrounds your organs. This type of fat cannot be removed with liposuction — and it has important health implications.

From a cosmetic perspective, visceral fat pushes the abdominal wall outward from the inside, which can create a round or firm abdominal contour. Even with procedures like liposuction or a tummy tuck, significant visceral fat can limit how flat the abdomen can appear because the fullness is coming from inside the abdominal cavity.

From a medical perspective, visceral fat is associated with increased risks of:

• heart disease

• type 2 diabetes

• metabolic syndrome

• inflammation throughout the body

This is why maintaining a healthy BMI and focusing on overall health is important not just for surgical outcomes, but for long-term wellness.P

lastic surgery can refine and contour the body, but it works best when paired with a healthy lifestyle.

Think of surgery as the finishing touch — not the starting point.

Straight from the Surgeon.

🚿 When Can I Shower After Surgery (Tummy Tuck)?

You may shower 24 hours after surgery (or wait 48 hours if you prefer). For your first shower, I strongly recommend having someone nearby — it’s normal to feel a little light-headed.

Here’s what to do:

✨ Before your shower:

• Remove your compression garment

• Remove the Tegaderm (clear tape) over your belly button

• Remove the white gauze and yellow gauze inside your belly button

✨ Leave ON:

• Your Brijjits

• Your SYLKE tape(These will come off on their own — do not remove them.)

🚿 In the shower, let warm, soapy water gently run over your incisions. That’s perfectly safe — just avoid scrubbing.

🧼 When you’re done, pat your incisions dry with a clean towel (no rubbing), then reapply your compression garment.

We provide two compression garments plus a waist trainer so you can rotate them. I also recommend wearing the camisole we provide underneath your garment — this helps prevent your Brijjits from catching and minimizes creasing. Additionally, you may place a piece of lipo foam or an ABD pad underneath your compression garment for extra cushioning and comfort. This can help reduce pressure and make wearing your garment more comfortable during the early healing phase.

🛁 Baths, pools, and soaking should wait until 1 month post-op — once I’ve cleared you.

Healing is a process — follow instructions closely and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. ❤️

Straight from the Surgeon:

Why is my BMI cutoff 30?

A common question I get during consultations is why I have a BMI requirement for elective surgery.Here’s why 👇

A BMI over 30 is associated with significantly higher surgical risks, including:

• Poor wound healing

• Infection

• Seromas

• Anesthesia complications•

Blood clots (DVT/PE)

• Less predictable aesthetic outcomes

As BMI increases, so does inflammation, tissue fragility, and tension on incisions — all of which directly impact healing and scar quality.

Straight from the Surgeon:

✨ Breast Lifts & Time: What to Know ✨

If you’ve had a breast lift in the past, it’s important to understand that you may need another one in the future.

Why? Because a breast lift doesn’t stop time—it resets the clock.

Over the years, gravity, aging, and life changes continue to affect the breasts. Factors that influence how long results last include:

• Skin quality & elasticity

• Genetics

• History of massive weight loss

• Pregnancy & breastfeeding

• Natural aging and gravity

Patients with thinner skin or significant weight fluctuations may notice changes sooner, while others enjoy their results for many years.

Straight from the Surgeon: Why we wait 2 weeks AFTER surgery to restart GLP-1 medications 🍽️🩺

After surgery, your body needs fuel to heal.

Medications like Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound® suppress appetite and slow digestion. While that’s helpful for weight loss, it’s not ideal immediately after surgery.

We ask patients to wait about 2 weeks post-op before restarting GLP-1s so you can:

• Eat a well-balanced diet with enough calories

• Prioritize adequate protein intake for wound healing

• Stay properly hydrated

• Reduce nausea and GI side effects during recovery

• Support your body’s natural healing process

This short pause helps ensure your body has what it needs to heal well—and ultimately supports better surgical outcomes. ❤️

Straight from the Surgeon.

GRAPHIC‼️

During an abdominoplasty, the excess abdominal skin and fat that are removed contain blood within that tissue. When that flap is excised, the blood within it is removed as well. This accounts for the majority of blood “loss” during a tummy tuck.

What many patients don’t realize is that this is very different from active bleeding. The remaining tissue is carefully cauterized, blood vessels are controlled, and your body rapidly redistributes and replaces blood volume after surgery.

Surgical technique, meticulous hemostasis, and patient selection matter so much.

Straight from the Surgeon.

GRAPHIC CONTENT. Abdominal wall etching is about precision.

✨By selectively sculpting around the natural anatomy of the abdominal muscles, we can enhance definition and create a more athletic, contoured result—without looking overdone. This technique is ideal for patients who want subtle but powerful refinement on top of a flat abdomen.

Abdominal wall etching is customized to the patient.In women, the goal is typically smooth contouring and softly defined central (linea alba) and outer (linea semilunaris) lines, not a sharply etched six-pack. Over-definition can look unnatural on the female abdomen if the rest of the body isn’t as toned.

In men, however, abdominal etching can be used to highlight the rectus muscles and create a more defined six-pack, when appropriate.

It’s never one-size-fits-all—successful results come from respecting anatomy, proportions, and aesthetic goals.

Of note, repeat liposuction is significantly more challenging than primary (1st time) lipo.

Scar tissue, altered anatomy, and reduced fat mobility make secondary procedures technically demanding and less predictable. This is why careful planning, conservative sculpting, and experience matter—especially when refining results. I’m always upfront—if I don’t feel I can deliver the results you’re looking for, I’ll tell you honestly. ❤️

Fun Fact Friday: Bra Line Back Lift ✨

A bra line back lift is an excellent option for patients who have loose skin and stubborn fullness along the upper back that doesn’t improve with diet, exercise, or liposuction alone. It is especially helpful in patients who have a lot of excess skin after massive weight loss. This procedure removes excess skin and fat along the bra line, creating a smoother, more contoured upper back and a cleaner silhouette in fitted clothing and bras.

Why it pairs beautifully with breast surgery or a reverse tummy tuck ⬇️

• The incision is strategically hidden along the bra line—perfect when patients are already planning breast surgery

• Allows for balanced upper-torso contouring when lifting or reshaping the breasts

• Complements a reverse tummy tuck by tightening the upper abdomen and back together for a more cohesive result

• One recovery period, one anesthesia, and more comprehensive body contouring

For the right patient, combining procedures can create a more harmonious result from every angle 💫

Fun Fact Friday: Temporary hypopigmentation after surgery 🤍

After surgery, the skin goes through a healing phase. Sometimes the melanocytes—the cells responsible for skin pigment—can briefly lose their function due to inflammation or trauma. When this happens, you may notice lighter areas of skin (hypopigmentation).

The good news: in many cases this is temporary and pigment gradually returns as the skin heals and melanocyte activity recovers. ❤️‍🩹

Healing isn’t always linear, but patience pays off. 😘

Fun Fact Friday: Liposuction is physically demanding, and precision matters. To ensure a balanced, symmetric result, I have my nurse set a timer for each area so every region receives equal focus and attention. 🫶🏻

Fun Fact Friday: Graphic Intra-Operative Video! ⚠️ ✨ Why Some Patients Need a T-Incision (Vertical Extension) During Abdominoplasty ✨

Every abdomen is unique, and the amount of available skin—especially above the belly button—plays a major role in surgical planning. When the upper abdomen is short or has limited skin to pull downward, a traditional horizontal incision alone can’t create a smooth, tension-free result.In these cases, we may need a T-incision to “borrow” a small amount of skin around the belly button to close the incision without excessive tension.

Fun Fact Friday: ✨ Why I can’t “over-tighten” your abdominal muscles ✨

During a tummy tuck, I repair the separation of the abdominal muscles (diastasis recti). But when a patient has a significant amount of visceral (internal) fat, there’s an important limitation many people don’t realize.

Visceral fat sits behind the muscles, surrounding the organs. If I tighten the muscles too aggressively in this situation, it can:

• Dramatically increase internal pressure leading to intra-abdominal hypertension or compartment syndrome

• Make it difficult to breathe comfortably

• Increase the risk of pain, complications, and poor healing

My priority is always safety, function, and a beautiful, natural result — not forcing the body into something it can’t safely tolerate. Strategic tightening gives you the best contour while protecting your health.

💡 Not every abdomen should be tightened the same way. Custom surgery = safer surgery + better results.

Fun Fact Friday: Why do some patients notice swelling in their face or hands after fat grafting to the buttocks?

It’s completely normal. During surgery, part of the procedure is performed with you on your stomach (prone positioning). This positioning can temporarily shift fluid and increase pressure in certain areas, leading to mild puffiness in the face or hands.

The good news: it’s short-lived and resolves on its own as your body rebalances fluids in the first few days after surgery.Your fat grafts aren’t affected, and it’s not a sign that anything is wrong — just one of the many small, expected changes your body goes through while healing. ❤️‍🩹

Fun Fact Friday: Hip dipsHip dips are completely normal anatomy — not a flaw. They occur where the pelvis meets the top of the thigh (the trochanteric depression).

Every single person has some degree of a hip dip, even if it’s subtle.When you see someone with a perfectly rounded contour from waist to thigh with zero indentation, that’s typically a giveaway that they’ve had fat grafting (BBL). A completely filled-in lateral hip is not a natural anatomy pattern — it’s the result of adding volume to that indentation.

There’s nothing wrong with either look — natural or enhanced — but it’s important to understand that:

✨ Hip dips = normal skeletal anatomy

✨ No hip dip at all = usually surgical or injected volume.

Fun Fact Friday: 🚫 Why Keeping Your Blood Pressure Down After Surgery Matters

💉The first few weeks after surgery — especially the 2–3 week mark — are critical for healing. During this time, we want to avoid any spikes in blood pressure because:

💥 Elevated blood pressure can increase your risk of a hematoma — a collection of blood under the skin that can cause swelling, pain, and even require another procedure to drain.

Even something as simple as straining, heavy lifting, bending, or emotional stress can cause pressure to rise.

That’s why we remind our patients to:

✨ Take it easy — no workouts or strenuous activity yet

✨ Stay calm and rest

✨ Take medications as prescribed

✨ Keep communication open with your surgical teamYour body is healing beneath the surface. Protect your results by giving it the calm, steady recovery it deserves. 💗

Fun Fact Friday: Happy Halloween! 🎃 👻

✨ Why We Don’t Remove All the Fat During Liposuction ✨

It’s a common misconception that liposuction means taking out every bit of fat — but doing that would actually cause problems, not perfection.

We always leave a thin, even layer of fat under the skin to keep the surface smooth and natural-looking. If we were to completely strip the fat away, it could lead to contour irregularities, dimpling, or rippling — things no one wants after surgery.

Liposuction is about sculpting, not scraping. The goal is balanced, beautiful contours that move and look natural — not paper-thin skin over muscle. 💫

Fun Fact Friday: ✨ The belly button: small detail, big impact! ✨

When creating or repositioning the umbilicus (belly button) during a tummy tuck, it’s not always perfectly in line with both the xiphoid (the lower end of the breastbone) and the apex of the labia majora. Every body is different — sometimes one is slightly to the left or right of midline and not “textbook anatomy.”

That’s why your surgeon must make a key decision: which landmark to align the new umbilicus with.

For the most natural, balanced contour, I typically align it with the xiphoid, since that creates a more harmonious upper abdominal shape and midline symmetry.

It’s these small, thoughtful decisions that separate a standard result from a refined, beautiful one. 💫

Fun Fact Friday: Drainless tummy tuck.

Refined. Elevated. Effortless.

Experience the art of the drainless tummy tuck — a modern evolution in body contouring.

By using advanced internal suturing techniques, we eliminate the need for external drains while enhancing comfort, healing, and aesthetic precision.

Benefits include:

✅ Easier, more comfortable recovery

✅ No drain care or removal

✅ Lower risk of infection

✅ Smoother, flatter contour

✅ Less tension on final closure leading to a better-looking and more thin scar.

Where innovation meets artistry — and recovery feels as refined as your results.

Fun Fact Friday: 👙 What Is an Internal Bra?

Think of it as internal support for your breasts, much like an invisible bra—placed inside the body during surgery.

🩺For patients undergoing breast augmentation, lifts, reductions, or implant revisions, we can use advanced materials like the TIGR® Matrix—a biodegradable scaffold that reinforces your breast tissue from the inside. It provides early support, helps shape the results, and gradually dissolves as your body heals and strengthens. 💪✨🔬

Made from a synthetic mesh that your body accepts and replaces with natural collagen over time, the internal bra concept adds durability, long-term shape, and less risk of sagging or implant displacement.📍

Ideal for:

• Revision breast surgeries

• Thin or weak tissue support

• Patients wanting longer-lasting lift results

💬 Have questions about whether you’re a candidate for an internal bra to Lovell Up your results?😜 Schedule a consult to discuss your unique treatment plan! 😘

Fun Fact Friday: Avéli®: A Targeted Solution for Cellulite

As plastic surgeons, we know that cellulite is not caused by excess fat alone — it’s the fibrous septa beneath the skin tethering tissue down that create dimpling. Avéli® is an FDA-cleared device that allows us to precisely release those septa in a single, minimally invasive treatment. It can be done awake or under general anesthesia.

One of the advantages of Avéli is that it can be safely combined with other procedures for comprehensive results:

• Liposuction: contour and slim while addressing cellulite dimples.

• Fat grafting/BBL: enhance shape and smooth skin simultaneously.

• Skin tightening technologies: improve elasticity for an even more refined finish.

By treating both the surface irregularities (cellulite) and deeper structural or volume concerns in the same setting, we can deliver smoother, more balanced, and natural-looking results.

📍 This combination approach is highly customizable and should be discussed during a consultation to determine if it aligns with your goals.

Fun Fact Friday: ✨ Did you know? ✨

📊 Women make up more than 85% of cosmetic surgery patients, yet only about 15–20% of board-certified plastic surgeons in the U.S. are women.

That gap matters.

As a female plastic surgeon, I understand the unique concerns, perspectives, and goals that women bring when they walk into a consultation.

My practice is deeply female-focused—over 95% of my patients are women—which means every aspect of the care I provide is designed with women’s needs in mind.Why does this make a difference?

💎 Aesthetic vision shaped by lived experience

💎 A safe, supportive environment to share your goals

💎 Empathy, perspective, and expertise combined

Representation in medicine isn’t just about numbers—it’s about connection, comfort, and care. And when it comes to plastic surgery, having a female surgeon isn’t just rare—it’s a powerful advantage. 💖

Fun Fact Friday: Awake Liposuction: Sculpting Made Simple

✨Did you know liposuction doesn’t always require general anesthesia? With awake lipo, patients stay comfortably relaxed with local anesthesia—no need for a breathing tube or full sedation. We use Pronox and oral sedation.

💎 Benefits include:

✔️ Faster recovery

✔️ Less downtime

✔️ Safer alternative for the right candidates

For patients seeking natural contouring without the commitment of a full surgical anesthetic, awake lipo can be a safe and effective option when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon.

Every body is unique, and so is every surgical plan.

✨ Let’s discuss if this option is right for you. 😘

Fun Fact Friday: ✅natural belly buttons

Fun Fact Friday: Signage is up. It’s official. Welcome to Lovell Plastic Surgery ☺️

As a double board-certified female plastic surgeon, my mission has always been to create natural, beautiful results while ensuring every patient feels seen, heard, and cared for. Every detail of this practice was curated with that vision in mind—from the warm, welcoming environment to the personalized patient journey.

With a woman’s touch, I’ve blended technical expertise with an eye for detail to deliver an experience that is both exquisite and empowering. This isn’t just about results—it’s about restoring confidence and celebrating individuality.

Here’s to impeccable outcomes and plastic surgery with heart. ❤️

Fun Fact Friday: Pre-op necessities!

Fun Fact Friday: What is a seroma? It’s a collection of clear fluid that can build up after surgery, especially in areas where tissue was lifted or removed (like after tummy tucks, liposuction, or breast surgery).

✨ All of my tummy tucks are drainless. While seromas (fluid collections) can occur whether or not drains are used, the risk is much lower when advanced techniques are applied. With my approach, the rate is only about 2–5%, compared to much higher rates reported with traditional methods.

✨ The good news?Seromas are usually not dangerous. Many go away on their own, while others may need a quick office procedure to drain the fluid with a small needle. On average, it takes 2–3 simple drainages, spaced a few days apart, for the seroma to fully resolve.

✅ What helps lower the risk:

• Surgeon’s technique: progressive tension and quilting stitches

• Wearing your compression garment as directed

• Limiting strenuous activity during early recovery

• Following your surgeon’s post-op instructions closely

⚠️ If you notice swelling, fluid buildup, or discomfort, always reach out to your surgeon so they can evaluate and keep your healing on track.

Remember: healing isn’t one-size-fits-all, and little bumps along the way are normal. My job is to guide you safely through every step. ❤️

Fun Fact Friday: It’s completely normal to notice little “imperfections” on your face or body after surgery — simply because you’re looking more closely than ever (at both the amazing results and the tiny quirks). I experienced the same thing after my Zoom whitening — I suddenly spotted a chipped tooth that had been there all along, but I’d never noticed until my smile was brighter! 😁

Fun Fact Friday: SKIMS Face Mask: Plastic Surgeon’s TakeSKIMS’ new “face shapewear” is basically a stylish version of the compression wraps we use after facelifts, neck lifts, or chin lipo.

✅ What it can do:

• Reduce swelling after procedures

• Give short-term contouring from mild compression

• Support healing in recovery

❌ What it can’t do:

• Reshape bone or remove fat

• Give permanent jawline changes

• Replace surgical or non-surgical contouring

Bottom line: Perfect for a little post-procedure TLC, but no fabric—no matter how chic or “collagen-infused”—can permanently sculpt your face. For true, lasting contour, invest in a medical-grade skincare routine and partner with a board-certified plastic surgeon. 😘

Fun Fact Friday: How Scoliosis Affects Body Contouring Results

Scoliosis — an abnormal curvature of the spine — doesn’t just impact posture. It can also influence your body shape, fat distribution, and surgical outcomes in procedures like liposuction, tummy tuck, or body lifts.

When I evaluate patients with scoliosis, I pay close attention to how the spinal curve affects:

🔹 Waistline asymmetry

🔹 Rib cage prominence

🔹 Muscle imbalance

🔹 Pelvic tilt or rotation

These structural differences mean that achieving perfect symmetry may not be realistic — and that’s okay. My goal is to enhance your natural shape while being honest about what’s anatomically possible.

✨ The key is a personalized approach: thoughtful marking, contouring with intention, and realistic expectations.

You don’t need a “perfect” spine to feel confident in your body — just the right plan and the right hands. 🙌

Fun Fact Friday: 🩺 Let’s talk about the Caprini Score.

The Caprini Risk Assessment Model is a scoring system we use to evaluate your individual risk of developing blood clots (DVT/PE) after surgery. Things like age, BMI, hormone use, and personal or family history of clotting are all factored in.

🔍 Why it matters:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is rare but potentially life-threatening. Your Caprini Score guides decisions like whether you’ll need blood thinners around the time of surgery. I always place compression devices on my patients during the surgery and encourage early ambulation post-op. In addition I give my patients compression socks in their post-op recovery package to wear the 1st week after surgery.

Every detail you share in your medical history helps me calculate this score and tailor your aftercare plan to reduce complications and protect your health.

💉 Safety isn’t optional — it’s built into every step of your surgical journey.

Fun Fact Friday: 📣 Hernia vs. Diastasis Recti — What’s the Difference?

This is a common question I get during tummy tuck consults.

👩🏻‍⚕️Let’s break it down:

🔹 Ventral Hernia

A hernia is an actual defect or hole in the fascia (the connective tissue layer).

👉 Fat, bowel, or other tissue can poke through this opening.

👉 Can be congenital or develop over time from pressure, surgery, or injury.

⚠️ I’m also board-certified in general surgery and feel comfortable repairing hernias at the time of your tummy tuck.

🔹 Rectus Diastasis

This is a widening or separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (the “six-pack” muscles) along the midline.

👉 It’s NOT a true hole.

👉 Common after pregnancy or major weight changes.

👉 No organs poke through — just stretching and bulging of the abdominal wall.

Fun Fact Friday: Face & Neck Lift vs. Skin Resurfacing: What’s the Difference? 🤔

✨Both treatments can rejuvenate your appearance, but they work in very different ways—and often complement each other beautifully.

🔹 Facelift & Neck Lift

Think of this as lifting and tightening the deeper layers. These surgical procedures reposition sagging tissues, define the jawline, and improve jowls and neck laxity. It’s about structural support and long-term contour.

🔹 Laser Resurfacing or Chemical Peel

These treatments focus on the surface. They improve skin tone, texture, fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and pigmentation by stimulating collagen and removing damaged outer layers.

👩‍🔬 In short: Surgery repositions, resurfacing refines.

Combining both can yield the most natural and refreshed result.📍Want to know what’s right for you? Let’s chat in consultation.

Fun Fact Friday: 🛌✨ Healing Smarter, Not Just Harder ✨🛌Your recovery matters just as much as your surgery.

That’s why I often recommend Full-Body Red Light Therapy and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) after surgery. These cutting-edge treatments aren’t just trendy—they’re backed by science and used by elite athletes, burn centers, and now… our post-op patients.

🔴 Red Light Therapy Benefits

• Reduces inflammation + swelling
• Stimulates collagen production
• Accelerates tissue repair
• Minimizes bruising
• Improves lymphatic drainage

💨 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) Benefits

• Supercharges oxygen delivery to healing tissues
• Speeds up recovery time
• Decreases risk of infection
• Reduces post-op fatigue
• Supports immune function

Both are non-invasive, painless, and incredibly effective in optimizing your body’s natural healing process. I think these are especially helpful after facelifts and tummy tuck operations. These therapies can elevate your recovery and help you get back to feeling you—faster.💡 Ask us how to integrate these into your recovery plan!

Fun Fact Friday:✨ Motiva Round vs. Ergonomix® Implants ✨Not all implants are created equal—and that’s a good thing! At Lovell Plastic Surgery, we offer both Motiva Round and Motiva Ergonomix® implants to give patients beautiful, natural-looking results tailored to their goals and anatomy.💎 Motiva RoundDesigned for more upper pole fullness and a perkier, “augmented” look—perfect if you’re after that lifted cleavage and a little extra pop in your silhouette.🌸 Motiva Ergonomix®These implants are soft, adaptive, and mimic the natural movement of breast tissue. They sit naturally when you’re upright and shift subtly when lying down—ideal if you want a very natural look and feel.No one-size-fits-all here. We guide you through every detail so you can feel confident and informed in your choice. 💬✨📍Book your consult and let’s talk about what’s best for your body and vision. ❤️

Fun Fact Friday:✨ Why Does Massive Weight Loss Often Mean Multiple Surgeries? ✨

For patients who have achieved massive weight loss—whether through lifestyle changes, GLP1s or bariatric surgery—your transformation is nothing short of inspiring. But what many don’t realize is that the next chapter often involves more than one procedure.

➡️ Why multiple surgeries?

After significant weight loss, excess skin can affect multiple areas of the body—arms, abdomen, thighs, breasts, back, and more. Safely addressing all of these concerns usually takes a staged approach to prioritize healing and reduce surgical risk.

➡️ Why is the skin so difficult to work with?

Skin that’s been stretched for years often loses elasticity and becomes thin and fragile. It doesn’t behave like normal skin during surgery and healing, which makes closure, contouring, and scar optimization more challenging.

Fun Fact Friday: 📌 Post-Surgery Recovery Tip: Don’t Skip the Protein! 🍗🥚🫘

Recovering from surgery? One of the most important nutrients your body desperately needs right now is PROTEIN.✨

Why protein matters after surgery:

✔️ Speeds up wound healing

✔️ Supports immune function

✔️ Preserves muscle mass

✔️ Fights fatigue and promotes strength🥩 🥜

After surgery aim for 1.5-2 gm/kg/day of protein (normal adult: 0.8-1 g/km/day)

Easy ways to get your protein in:

➡️ Greek yogurt

➡️ Protein shakes and smoothies

➡️ Scrambled eggs

➡️ Nuts

➡️ Seafood or chicken

➡️ Lentils and tofu

Fun Fact Friday: Eyebrow position is extremely important! My goal is to never create a “surprised look.” 👀 I want to restore the eyebrows to the position that they were in your youth! When we get older the eyebrows start to descend. This can contribute to a feeling of heaviness and increased hooding and laxity of the upper eyelids. Combining an eyebrow lift with an upper eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) is often the recipe for success in rejuvenating the upper 1/3 of your face. 🙂

Fun Fact Friday: How do plastic surgeons make symmetric areolas during surgery? We use an areola cookie cutter (areola marker). This is a precise surgical tool used by plastic surgeons during breast procedures like:

🔹 Breast reduction

🔹 Breast lift (mastopexy)Its main purpose?

➡️ To create a symmetrical, round areola

➡️ To ensure consistent size and placement between both breasts

➡️ To guide incisions for natural-looking resultsMade of stainless steel, these round, flat instruments come in various diameters, depending on patient anatomy and aesthetic goals.

💬 “Cookie cutter” might sound playful, but in the OR, it’s all about precision, balance, and confidence in outcomes.

Fun Fact Friday: Plastic surgery (especially body work) is very physically demanding so plastic surgeons try to stay in shape!

Liposuction alone typically requires the surgeon to stand for long periods, maintain static postures, and use controlled physical effort, which burns approximately 200-300 calories per hour.

My average “mommy makeover” is 6-6.5 hours. Lots of sewing and lipo. I love what I do but it is definitely a workout! 😁